Second Act Success Blog:
Business Tips, Career Advice, and Inspiration on Starting Over

How to Use AI to Plan Your Business Are you thinking about starting a business and want to work smarter not harder? That’s the key to true success, right? Well, in today’s world, using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help you plan your business can give you a serious competitive edge. Whether you’re launching your first […]

What does it take to turn a passion for fitness into a thriving business—and then franchise it successfully across the country? In this episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell sits down with Devan Gonzalez, fitness entrepreneur and co-founder of Strive 11 Fitness, to explore how he turned his love of coaching […]

Have you ever wondered if your professional experience could be turned into a thriving business? In this episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell sits down with curriculum and course creation expert Shannon Boyer to explore how she transitioned from a career in college education to launching a business that empowers […]

How to switch from an employee to an entrepreneur mindset When you’ve spent years climbing the corporate ladder, the idea of stepping out on your own to start a business can feel exciting, yet terrifying. The stability of a steady paycheck, clear expectations, and defined roles gets replaced by taking a leap of faith, self-discipline, […]

Are you feeling stuck in your career or craving more creativity and fulfillment in your life? In this inspiring solo episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell encourages you to rediscover the dreams you once held and explore how to bring them into your present life. Whether you’re navigating a life transition, dreaming […]

After 19 years in education and an ADHD diagnosis, Cindy Baker made a bold pivot. Cindy Baker made a bold pivot—she left the classroom to launch her own business as a productivity coach for entrepreneurs. In this inspiring episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell sits down with Cindy to discuss her career […]

What is your breaking point? What if it involved Taylor Swift? Have you ever faced a life-changing crossroads where you had to choose between your career and your heart? In this episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell shares a deeply personal story about the day she said no to interviewing Taylor Swift — and why […]

Have you ever stood in front of your closet naked and wondered, “How did I get here?” In this inspiring episode of Second Act Success, host Shannon Russell sits down with Monika Nielsen, founder of Style Closet Coach and the beloved “closet therapist” for women reinventing themselves in midlife. After homeschooling her three children for 22 years, Monika […]

Are you waking up every day feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or just “going through the motions” in your job? In this empowering episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, career transition and business coach Shannon Russell shares a powerful message about what it really means to live by default—and how to break free from it. If you’ve […]